Nurse III / Supervisory

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Waco, TX

9d•$7,533 - $8,886•Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse III provides nursing care and primary shift management for an assigned service area at Waco Center for Youth, a psychiatric residential treatment facility serving adolescents ages 13 through 17. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive/Assistant Chief Nurse Executive, the Nurse III observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, evaluates outcomes, and documents patient care; coordinates scheduling and nursing personnel; and provides direct nursing care as needed. The position may supervise, counsel, and evaluate nursing staff, collaborate with other nursing and mental health staff to maintain continuity of care, and assume Nurse Coordinator or Nurse Manager duties during their absence. The role requires flexibility and independent judgment, and duties, location, and shift pattern may change to meet hospital needs. Duties may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities. The position is full-time and based onsite in Waco. The listed schedule is a compressed weekend shift, with possible assignments on days, evenings, nights, and weekends. Work hours may be flexible or rotating and may include extended shifts or overtime. The position may be eligible for additional pay for evening, night, and/or weekend work.

Requirements

Graduation from a nursing program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
At least three years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility.
Experience with a psychiatric population or severe and persistent mental illness.
Current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in Texas, or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record from the licensing state.
Must meet HHSC Fleet Management driving-record eligibility requirements and be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.
Knowledge of recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards, departmental policies and procedures, and the Nurse Practice Act.
Skill in supervisory and management techniques.
Ability to perform CPR, agency-approved aggression management and restraint techniques, and emergency care in medical or psychiatric emergencies.
Skill in positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public.
Ability to handle crisis situations calmly, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and use sound judgment and critical thinking.
Must pass fingerprint-based criminal background, pre-employment drug, and applicable registry checks.
Must be at least 21 years old to work at Waco Center for Youth.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
Must be able to work flexible hours and, if required, overtime or extended hours.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ health and mental status upon admission or transfer and on an ongoing basis, and document assessments, plans, interventions, and evaluations in patient records.
Determine care priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care.
Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques according to American Heart Association specifications.
Direct and coordinate staffing and patient care activities on assigned units in consultation with nurse administrators and staff nurses.
Address staff performance problems promptly, document interventions, and ensure effective use of nursing service personnel.
Facilitate admissions and transfers, communicate with admissions or unit staff, review written documentation, and triage patients when needed.
Carry out practitioners’ orders and implement nursing interventions according to nursing standards and hospital policies and procedures.
Assist in investigations of client abuse and neglect.
Implement ordered special precautions, explain and document rights restrictions, and follow restraint and seclusion procedures to maintain patient safety and uphold patient rights.
Attend mandatory training and participate in ongoing in-service, education, and training programs appropriate to the patient population.
Monitor treatment, intervention, and protection strategies (TIPS), including compliance with program requirements during patient restraint.
Communicate with nursing leadership to obtain and share current information with staff on assigned units.
Collaborate with the Nurse Coordinator, charge nurses, and Mental Health Supervisor/Specialists to ensure continuity of care.
Provide direct nursing care to patients as needed and perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Participate in agency disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require an alternate shift or location.